One thing is for certain. That I can’t keep what I have received. I have to give it away, in order to keep it. Otherwise, it will go away. Maybe not in a drink, but in the misery, which follows from my selfishness.
That idea always makes a couple of us chuckle. We have to give it away in order to keep it. One of the paradoxes of this program. But it is true. At least it’s been that way in my own life. And every time I have turned my back on doing this, it always made me feel miserable.
The idea of compassion is paramount in this program. Whenever I see someone, who is suffering, it is important that I at least try to reach out to them and hopefully will relieve what ails them. Might be booze, but might be something else.
I was thinking about this today, when someone related a story. Right before they started to tell the story I saw a look in their eyes. Something. It was unrelated to what was being talked about, but something made them tell it. I just listened. That was it. Sometimes all we can do is listen. And sometimes listening is what others need. That was something I learned a long time ago and it has returned in the nick of time, often in this program.
I often think that what we give is the gift of self. That’s because at those moments we are not focused on us. What else do I have to give? Not much. But I am willing, most of the time, to give of myself to help another alcoholic. Or maybe someone, who is not an alcoholic, but is in need of help.
All of this is what helps me to stay sober. And when I think about sobriety it makes me grateful. And when I am grateful the only way I know to show it is to take action. And the willingness to help someone else is one of the best ways I know to express that gratitude.
What was so freely given to me, my sobriety, is what I have to return to others, freely.